Field day: Sigonella Marines spruce up local sports facility

Photo By Sgt. Lucas Hopkins | U.S. Marine Sgt. Stephen Gallery, a watch chief with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, mows the inner field at Campo Scuola di Picanello, a track-and-field facility in Catania, Italy, April 24, 2015. More than 30 Marines and Sailors assigned to the unit volunteered to help clean up the facility for local athletes. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lucas J. Hopkins/Released)  

CATANIA, ITALY

04.24.2015

Story by Cpl. Lucas Hopkins 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

CATANIA, Italy – Track-and-field events like the javelin throw, high-jump and long-jump are often completed on the inner field or specialized locations in athletic facilities. Conducting these events on unkempt grass can be close to impossible, and while field maintenance may not seem like a strenuous task, it can become a laborious chore when left unattended for an extended period of time.

In the case of “Campo Scuola de Picanello” in Catania, Italy, the field was left untended for more than a year and was overrun by nature, inhibiting athletes’ ability to further train in those events. More than 30 Marines and Sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa traveled from Naval Air Station Sigonella to dedicate a few hours to assist in the cleanup efforts April 24, 2015.

“The Marines want to be good neighbors,” said Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Henry Shoemaker, a chaplain’s assistant assigned to SPMAGTF-CR-AF. “We want the residents to know we’re open, friendly and care about the community we work in.”

A few hours of mowing, weed-whacking, sweeping and raking their way across the field resulted in the group clearing more than half of the area. Once the tools were put away, the service members had collected more than 40 trash bags filled with grass clippings.

“Despite limited time and equipment, everyone showed great effort. There wasn’t a rake or weed-whacker left untouched and other Marines were using their hands to get the job done. I’m definitely proud of all the Marines who participated,” said Sgt. Stephen Gallery, a watch chief with SPMAGTF-CR-AF.

In a congested urban environment, athletic facilities are not always readily available. With the majority of the area cleared of the once chest-high grass, the residents of Catania are now better able to train and participate in athletic events.

“Personally, I feel great. It’s always good to give back, whether it’s a community back home or one here in Italy,” said Gallery.

• Date Taken: 04.24.2015
• Date Posted: 04.29.2015 14:50
• Story ID: 161677
• Location: CATANIA, IT
• Hometown: AUBURN HILLS, MI, US
• Hometown: WEYMOUTH, MA, US